Sandra Ruiz-Bond, Founder of Fresh Start Ministries

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Tag Archive | July 4th

Like millions of Americans, my mind is on the Fourth of July holiday and what it represents: our freedom as a nation. The freedom we enjoy in the United States of America is a precious thing, bought with the sweat, toil and blood of the countless Americans who initially fought to obtain it (Revolutionary War), as well as those who have fought to secure it in the centuries since that fateful day in 1776.

Gratitude without measure wells up in my heart when I consider the brave men and women of the American military who, this Fourth of July, are still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan to combat the tyranny of terrorism. These soldiers stand in the train of valiant warriors who fought in the Revolutionary War (mentioned above), the Civil War, two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and the first Gulf War. Each of these conflicts—while unique in themselves—share the common goal of protecting American freedom. Today’s battles are no different.

But even as I value my freedom as an American, I am moved to consider a greater freedom—the freedom I found in Christ. It is the freedom that comes with being a disciple of Jesus Christ. “If you abide in my word,” our Lord declares, “you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

Unfortunately, many Americans take “freedom” for granted. We place trust in our career, in money, in doing good works for others, in associations, etc., etc.

On July 4th, I ask myself, “What do I trust in?”. While I reflect on the freedoms I enjoy living in this country, I also remembered that my true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20) and that my freedom in Christ is, indeed, of infinite worth!